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helmet mask

Object type

Museum number

Af1943,02.15

Description

Sowei mask. Carved wooden helmet mask in the form of a human face, stained black. Small facial features; three-lobed hairstyle with elaborate carved geometric panels. Mask surmounted by four birds and further decorated with two large rectangular flaps at each side, two circular plaques at the back and two circular plaques framing the face. Three neck rings, compressed under chin. Mask stands on angled pedestal base which is pierced with small holes for the attachment of the black-dyed raffia fringe.

Date

Production place

Findspot

Materials

Technique

Dimensions

Height: 39 centimetres (mask only)

Width: 19 centimetres

Depth: 24 centimetres

Curator's comments

Carved wooden helmet mask used by the exclusively female Sande (Mende) or Bondo/Bundu (Temne) societies. The mask is traditionally worn by a high-ranking member of the society, the dancing sowei, known as the 'ndoli jowei' among the Mende or 'a-Nowo' among the Temne.

Worn with a raffia costume, the masks typically have a polished black finish, with neck rings, elaborate coiffure and dignified facial expression. The mask is thought to represent conceptions of idealised womanhood.

The flaps and circular plaques seen on this mask are known as 'kololewengoi' which are decorative elements on Mende male costume, particularly relating to dance and entertainment.

Condition

Subjects

Acquisition name

Acquisition date

Department

Registration number

Bundu mask; carved from wood; in the form of a chieftainess wearing an elaborate carved headdress or coiffure surmounted by four figures in form of birds on a raised base; skirt of fibre tied around bottom edge of mask.